Tied Hearts: Lust, Love, Longing, and Rajveer

By Vikram Singh

After Veer begs a handsome stranger to give him a lift to the Gateway of India in Mumbai on New Years Eve, he inadvertently leaves his cell phone in the mans car. Moments after the clock strikes midnight, Veer calls his phone and is relieved when the driver answers. After they agree to meet the next day, neither has any idea that fate has just intervened in both of their lives.

Veer is a graduate student pursuing his MBA. Raj is a native of Amritsar. Although the two men are vastly different in terms of their family backgrounds, values, thought processes, and beliefs, it is not long before they fall in love. Still, no matter how hard he tries, Veer cannot shrug the apprehension that haunts him from within. No one has a simple love story and neither do they. But when one of the men takes the other for granted, their bond is jeopardized. Will anything or anyone be able to save it before it is too late?

In this romance, two Indians intertwined in a web of forbidden love must attempt to overcome several obstacles in order to move forward in their relationship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: Feb 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543701708

Vikram Singh

Vikram Singh hails from Keonjhar, a small town in the northern half of Odisha. He is adventurous, and lover of food, travel, and spontaneity. When he is not working or writing, he enjoys singing and dancing. He lives in Mumbai, India, and blogs at https://thesilvertongued.wordpress.com/. https://www.facebook.com/thesilvertongued91/

Book preview

1

Exceptional Start

S hit! It’s 11.45 p.m., and I’m still stuck here. What do I do? I have to be at the Gateway of India in the next five minutes. Wait! Let me try asking for a lift from that car. But it’s speeding down, and I’m too insignificant in the crowd. Will I be noticed? Fishing pit, too many thoughts. If I keep thinking, I’m definitely not making it. God, please help!

I raised my hand and motioned for a lift, but the car just went past me. I jumped to the other side to save my feet and cursed at it aloud. Surprisingly, the car came to an abrupt halt with a loud screech. I hurried to the left end of the car, opened the front door, and occupied the seat without seeking any permission.

The driver looked at me, perplexed, and demanded, ‘Excuse me, who the hell are you? Why are you in my car? What in God’s name are you trying to do? And by the way, how dare you abuse me?’ After a brief pause, he asked, ‘Hey, you, are you even listening?’

While he continued with his rant, I carefully placed my phone on the deck and hurriedly fastened my belt and gave him a nonchalant look.

I began, ‘Actually, sir, I’m running short of time. It’s already 11.50 p.m., and I was supposed to reach the Gateway by 11.30. My friends are already there to celebrate the New Year, and here these donkeys—I’m sorry, I mean, the taxis are charging sky-high prices. On a normal day, it doesn’t cost me more than thirty to forty bucks. Now you tell me, should any responsible citizen of the country promote this attitude of theirs? No, right? So I thought of asking you for a lift.’ I folded my hands, this time pleading badly, ‘Now listen, wherever you are going, please continue, but please, please drop me around the Gateway of India first.’ My anxious face pleaded again. ‘Please?’

He looked at me for the next three seconds and burst out laughing.

‘What?’ I questioned.

‘Nothing! You’re really funny’ came his reply with an amused grin spread across his face as he started the car.

I beamed with joy that my chances of reaching the Gateway of India on time had shot up. At the same time, I could not stop myself from grunting. ‘What an idiot. Wasted a lot of my time. Now hurry up!’ I wanted to say it out loud, but I did not voice my thoughts, as he was my saviour.

We arrived just on time, and I sprinted out of the car, immediately saying, ‘Thank you, and I wish you a very happy New Year!’ Barely able to hear him as he wished me the same back, I left.

I spotted Ipshita standing and ran towards her. As I joined the rest of the group, in less than a minute, the countdown began, ‘Ten … nine … eight … seven … six … five … four … three … two … one! Happy New Year!’

Busy wishing everyone happy New Year, I realized my family must be waiting for my call. Putting my hand in my pocket, I froze. ‘Where’s my phone?’ I blubbered. I searched around everywhere in and out, without much luck. Soon a realization crept in. I had left my precious phone in that car.

I did not know the person, nor did I remember the car number. I loved my phone and wanted it back at all costs. ‘Thank you, God! Brilliant start to the new year!’ I blurted. I panicked as one of my friends passed me his phone and asked me to call my number. I knew it was of no use, but I did not have a better plan either.

To my astonishment, someone answered, ‘Hello?’

‘Hello! Hi! It’s me, Veer, here. I’m the one who took a ride in your car a while ago, and I think I’ve left my phone there. Actually, I don’t think. The phone I’ve called, yeah, is mine.’

‘Oh, hi! It’s Raj this side!’

Able to breathe again, I said, ‘Hi, Raj. Thanks for answering my call. I was extremely upset about the phone.’

‘No, it’s completely fine. I understand.’

‘By the way, when and how can I have my phone back?’

‘Do you really want it?’ he mocked.

‘Sorry?’ I said to my disbelief.

He laughed at his own joke, which I did not find amusing.

‘Hey, I’m just kidding. Actually, I’ve come for a party, and I can’t leave now. Umm, I’ll be at MCA around four. Why don’t you come see me tomorrow, and I’ll happily give you what’s yours. Sounds good?’

‘Yes, you mean MCA near Marine Drive, right?’

‘Hmm.’

‘That’s completely fine. I’ll see you at four in Marine Drive.’ I registered the time and venue in my mind. ‘Thanks again. See you tomorrow. And wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year again!’

‘Yup, thanks! Wish you the same too. Bye.’

‘Bye.’

Finally relieved, I happily engrossed myself into the party mood. Without looking back, I enjoyed myself till dawn, losing the track of time until we were made to leave by the police. We reached our hostel by around seven in the morning. I threw my tired body on the bed, and before I knew it, I was deeply asleep.

Gosh, what a start for 2014! First, no taxis from CST station to Gateway of India and next my phone. Honestly, until then, I believed that getting your phone back after losing it was a myth!

2

First Encounter

M y very sincere roommate woke me up at two in the afternoon as I had asked him to do so. I got up, took a bath, and was all set to leave for Marine Drive in less than half an hour. I would be lying if I denied having invested most of the time in selecting the proper outfit—neither too casual, nor too flashy. Finally, I zeroed in on blue denims and white shirt. Just perfect! My saviour in every situation, paired with white floaters, brown watch, and my favourite glares. And no, I was not dressing for him! It was just that I did not want to make a complete fool of myself, because as far as my observation served me from the little encounter we had, Raj was a very handsome guy. Even though the meeting was brief, and the lights were dim, and my eyes were not exactly focused on him for more than a few seconds, I could not help but notice how charming he was. I, by no means, wanted to feel awkward in his presence by choosing the wrong set of clo thes.

Before leaving, I called my number, which as expected was answered by Raj. We decided on Nariman Point for our meet, and I assured him I would be there by 4.30 p.m. sharp. I kept my word; however, he did not. I waited and thought it must be the traffic, though an odd time it was for traffic. There came a point where that meaningless wait agitated me beyond an edge. My patience was already giving up on me, so much so I could hit anyone and everyone around me. After all, it had been over sixteen hours of separation from my life partner, my phone. Besides, his unpunctuality was taking a toll on my nerves as well. I hate irregularity to the core, and the people practising it hold a special place in this world—miles away from my heart. I started practising kapalbharti, periodically breathing in and out, to keep a check on my anger. Part of me did not want to see his stupid face again, though every part of me wanted the phone back.

I was facing the sea, standing at the edge of Nariman Point, when a sudden gust of breeze made me shut my eyes, and I turned one hundred and eighty degrees. When I opened my eyes, I was taken to a different world. That was so because none other than Raj was walking towards me. Gosh! He looked hot in his blue denims and a baby-pink shirt.

He came and extended his hand for a handshake. But being the fool that I was, my eyes were so fixed on to him that not only did I forget to remove my glares but I forgot to put my hand forth for the handshake as well. I must have seemed crazy to him.

My heart was blank. Thankfully, my smart mind pushed my hand to shake with his, and the first couple of words were ‘Hi! Sorry!’

I felt extremely embarrassed for my foolishness. I guessed I had already made a big fool of myself.

He assured, ‘Hey, it’s okay. I guess you were thinking about something.’

‘No, no, ah … Nothing!’ I stammered.

‘Here’s your phone, and sorry for the delay!’

‘No, it’s fine! I’m truly thankful to you, and this is for you.’ I acknowledged, handing over a big bar of Cadbury, which I had bought for him as a gesture of thanks.

He smiled. His smile was as mesmerizing as Madhuri’s and as hypnotizing as Hrithik’s. He asked, ‘Do you want to sit?’

‘Yeah, sure!’ We moved to find a proper place.

Within a couple of minutes, I was facing the sea again, this time with him on my side. I was trying hard to avoid as much eye contact as possible. He sat close enough. Minutes passed, and the most we did was watch the sun setting deep into the sea, leaving its beautiful aura all across the colourful sky.

It was he who broke the ice. ‘So what do you do?’

‘I’m pursuing MBA, first year. And you?’

‘I’m working as something, something in something, something.’

No, I was not listening. I could not. Not that I did not try to! I did not have any clue on what he said or what he kept saying. My ears were blocked. My eyes, never having done their job any better, kept focusing on the movements of his full angelic lips.

He snapped, ‘Hello! Where are you?’

‘I’m sorry, what?’

‘I asked where are you from.’

‘Oh! Sorry. I’m from Keonjhar.’

‘Oh, I never knew that Keonjhar is a city or something!’ he kidded.

‘I mean, I’m from Keonjhar, Orissa.’

‘Okay, all right!’

As he laughed, I failed to understand what could have been funny. Failing to get a clue, I turned my eyes towards some babies playing nearby. However, this overly handsome guy sitting next to me could not keep my eyes distracted for long.

I asked, ‘And you’re from …?’

‘Delhi, but I’m a native of Amritsar.’

‘Amritsar!’ I exclaimed.

‘Yeah, what happened?’ He was a little bewildered.

I laughed, seeing his expression.

He could not help but query again, ‘Yeah, tell me. What happened? Why are you laughing?’

‘Seeing your expression!’ He joined in the laughter as well. ‘I’ve a strong affinity for Amritsar since my childhood. I don’t know why, but I’ve always wanted to visit Punjab and Lahore. Therefore, when I meet people from there, I become hyperexcited.’

‘That’s strange, but why is it?’

‘I don’t know. Probably, it has to do something with my previous birth. God knows.’ I smiled like a moron, thinking of my inanity.

‘Oh, cool! Maybe I’ll take you to Amritsar someday.’ He smiled.

‘That’s really sweet.’ I smiled back, knowing the odds of that happening.

Thinking I was getting excessively obsessed with this guy, I had to say, ‘I think I should go now. I’m already very tired, and I’m sure so must be you.’

‘I know, but then where do you stay?’

‘I stay in Kharghar.’

‘Shall I drop you?’

‘Where do you stay?’

‘Chembur.’

‘Hey, no, it’s okay! I’ll take the train. Thanks anyway!’

‘But it’s only five thirty.’

‘I know but—’

‘Hey, come on …’ he insisted. He looked like a little child urging for an ice cream. He was cute. My heart could not resist and skipped a beat.

‘All right then!’ I had to give in.

‘Thanks! By the way, I’ve something for you.’

‘For me?’ I was excited, as nothing else was expected than getting my phone back.

‘Yup. But before that, friends?’ He raised his hand for a formal yet informal handshake. I knew I kind of blushed in reality. He continued, ‘Let’s go to the car!’

‘Okay!’ I followed him innocently.

As I stood in front of the car, he went to the rear seat. He brought a paper box and handed it over to me, saying, ‘Open it!’

I exclaimed, ‘Cake! Thanks, but why?’ I was taken completely by surprise.

‘This is because for me, you had to live without your phone for such a long time, and that too on such a beautiful day, at the onset of the year.’

I smiled and opened the box. There it was, a dark chocolate cake, my favourite, and ‘Happy New Year, NFF’ was written on it gorgeously.

‘NFF?’ I enquired.

‘New Found Friend!’

It was heart touching. I was overwhelmed by his courteous gesture. I hugged him, and all I could managed to say was ‘Thank you!’

I cut the cake. Undoubtedly, he deserved the very first bite of it. I stretched my hand towards him; he took a bite and returned the gesture. Soon the beggars joined us, hoping for a share. We were more than happy to share it with them. With it, not only did the cake get over, but we felt blessed and elevated all at once.

I looked around to dispose of the leftovers and the tray on which the cake was placed.

He added, ‘There’s something else for you as well.’

‘Now what?’ I probed, amazed.

With a spark in his eyes, he ordered, ‘Turn the tray upside down!’

I did what he said and found a card pasted on to it flawlessly. I opened it carefully. It was a card of roses of different colours with ‘Happy New Year’ and ‘Sorry’ written on it distinctively.

That was the moment when I knew that my heart had flipped for him downright. I wanted to kiss him right away. Nonetheless, all I could do was run to the middle of the road and shout at the top of my lungs, ‘Thank you! Thank you so very much, and God bless you!’

People looked at me as though I was insane. But then, who cared! He gestured me to come back, and I obeyed his order as a good disciple. He suggested, ‘Let’s go and eat something.’ His voice was filled with joy.

I never liked being indebted to anyone, and this guy had already spent so much on me that I had wanted him to discontinue doing so. I stressed, ‘Yeah, let’s go, but on one condition.’

‘What?’

‘It’ll be on me!’

‘But why?’

‘Because I want to!’ I asserted.

He looked puzzled.

I clarified, ‘See, since we’ve become friends now, there’s no need to hide small things like this from you. I dislike people spending on me. I’m sceptical of it. I have seen relationships go haywire because of monetary matters. You’ve become a dear friend of mine, and I don’t want to lose you.’ I said this in a single breath. ‘So as I said, the treat will be on me. Understood?’

Convinced, he hugged me and replied, ‘Wow! I appreciate this. I never knew you are so thoughtful as well.’ He winked at me. ‘I thought you were just a kid, you know—moreover because of the way you behaved yesterday.’

We shared a few candid moments and went to Colaba to eat. We also indulged into some window shopping for a while. He dropped me at the CST station around eight in the evening and left for his place. But before leaving, we exchanged numbers, followed by a series of smiles and laughs.

A new chapter in my life had begun. Life had taken a new turn; it looked different, a little more lovely, lively, and romantic, though there was no point of feeling lovesick. After all, one could be homesick for people too.

3

Different Air Around

N othing so beautiful had ever happened in my life till then. Everything everywhere made me smile. My head kept buzzing with the song ‘Kuch Toh Hua Hai’. Life seemed to be blessing me from all the possible dimensions. It was then I realized a positive mindset did fill the air with exuber ance.

Days passed, and we kept chatting. WhatsApp played our Cupid. We would start somewhere around ten in the night, and before we would realize it, we would go on till two or three in the morning. The silliest thing was, it had those fixed opening and closing lines always. ‘Hi, had your dinner?’ ‘Gotta sleep now. It’s too late!’ After a few more days, after knowing each other more, every single day, I looked forward to this very moment—that little hi from him, that sleepy bye from me.

Soon my life was set in a routine that my body knew without much directions from my brain. I would sleep every day around three in the morning, get up at six, study till eight, freshen up, worship, and go to college. I made it a point never to miss my breakfast, like most youngsters did. I was extremely regular and punctual at class too. I participated in every activity as well. My classes would go on till six in the evening. Once back to the hostel, I would manage to get an extended nap, which would compensate for those late-night chats.

As days passed, our friendship strengthened. Even the seven years of age difference became just another number to me. We enjoyed each other’s company. I discussed everything I would do in the day, and he was no different.

As the exams were approaching, my preparation paced up. I decided to focus more on my studies, while involuntarily he got sidelined. It took him a while to come to terms with this new schedule of mine, but the support that he was, he motivated me to study harder.

He was a changed person. He would call me in the mornings to wake me up or to check if I had started studying. Not just that; he would text me every two hours to check how well I had progressed. He valued how significant the exams were for me and would resist on any prolonged conversations.

To my surprise, I did exceptionally well—in fact, beyond my expectations, for which I give credit not only to my own efforts but to Raj’s motivation also. In ten days,